4 minute read
Wildflowers
Wildflower walks
After a good winter of rain, After a good winter of rain, these Central Coast spots these Central Coast spots show off their spring colors show off their spring colors
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CAMILLIA LANHAM
Carrizo Plain Carrizo Plain
Between Highways 58 and 166, Carrizo Plain National Monument runs along Soda Lake Road through a valley with mountains on both sides and the largest remaining alkali wetland in Southern California. This remote stretch of Bureau of Land Management-managed grasslands can be a place for solitude, but when the goldfields and phacelia blanket the monument in yellows and purples, the crowds follow. Head out with a full tank of gas, plenty of water, and snacks. Check the BLM’s website for flower updates in the spring. Between Highways 58 and 166, Carrizo Plain National Monument runs along Soda Lake Road through a valley with mountains on both sides and the largest remaining alkali wetland in Southern California. This remote stretch of Bureau of Land Management-managed grasslands can be a place for solitude, but when the goldfields and phacelia blanket the monument in yellows and purples, the crowds follow. Head out with a full tank of gas, plenty of water, and snacks. Check the BLM’s website for flower updates in the spring.
Figueroa Mountain
Figueroa Mountain
Famous for its poppy and lupine displays, Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area is about 30 minutes north of Los Olivos in the Los Padres National Forest. A winding drive along Figueroa Mountain Road or Happy Canyon Road means the views hold more than wildflowers, with vistas showcasing the San Rafael Wilderness, Santa Ynez Valley, and hills full of color. Find a good, safe, parking spot (you’ll also need an Adventure Pass from the Forest Service) and follow a well-tread trail up the hillside and through the flowers.
Highway 166
Hwy 166
When the hills along Highway 166 are green with spring, Los Padres National Forest’s Willow Springs, Adobe, and Gifford trails have flowers and more in store for those willing to venture onto paths with fewer visitors. Grass-covered slopes, iconic oaks, and meadows of pink shooting stars will greet those who don’t mind climbing for it. Find the trailheads on the left and right sides of the highway between 20 and 30 minutes from Santa Maria, and don’t forget your Adventure Pass.
Reservoir Canyon
Managed by the city of San Luis Obispo, the Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve is accessible off Highway 101 about a mile north of SLO at the base of the Cuesta Grade, but the natural reserve is also accessible via the Bowden Ranch Open Space trailhead at the top of Lizzie Street in SLO. The steep 4- to 6-mile climb comes with poppies, shooting stars, lupine, and lilies in the early spring and 360-degree views from the Pacific Ocean into Los Padres National Forest.
Hearst San Simeon State Park
With various pullouts and trailheads along Highway 1 north of Cambria, you can catch a Simeon quick glimpse of spring and Pacific Ocean waves State Park without exerting too much effort in Hearst San Simeon State Park. A great pit stop on the way up to Big Sur, it’s one of the oldest park units in the California State Park system with two natural preserves, a cultural preserve, plenty of beaches, and an elephant seal rookery—even if you miss flower season, there’s plenty to see and do.
Point Buchon
Seaside meadows full of poppies are common along the California Coast, and one of the best places to view them is via the Point Buchon trail. The 6.6-mile out-and-back trail travels along the grass-covered bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Accessible through Montaña de Oro, the hike is actually located on PG&E property. Open Thursday through Monday year-round, the utility company limits the number of visitors to 275 hikers per day and requires guests to sign in and out at a check-in station.
